“Where’s that?” Heath asked.
“Between here and Broome.”
“That’s pretty cool,” Heath said.
She nodded. “She’s the only rebel in my family. Didn’t want to marry and have a family, wanted to make her own way in the world, make her fortune.”
Ed knew the feeling. “So, did she make her fortune?”
Tess grinned, and she leaned forward like Lara did when she got excited. “It’s not clear. Her journal hints at a windfall, but all the references are vague, as if she didn’t want to put the exact details on paper.”
No matter what Sam thought, Tess’s passion was genuine. Ed wanted to show her the information they had on the Retribution. He loved this fearless, enthusiastic side.
“We’ve found some manta rays,” Gretchen announced. “If you want, we can stop so you can swim with them.”
Tess’s eyes widened, and she called, “Yes, please.”
Ed chuckled as she thrust her empty plate on the counter and turned to take his. She frowned when she noticed he wasn’t finished. “Get ready, and I’ll be right behind you,” he said, shovelling the rest of the food into his mouth. He’d probably regret eating so fast once they were in the water, but he didn’t care.
They swam a short distance to where an entire group of manta rays were circling, almost in a dance. Tess’s gaze was affixed to the animals as they looped. Ed wished he had a camera to capture her expression.
They took turns with the rays until it was time to get back on the boat and head to their final snorkeling spot. When Tess had dumped her gear in the containers, she turned to him and flung her arms around his neck. “Thank you.”
He stepped back, surprised by her affection, but couldn’t resist hugging her back. “You’re most welcome.”
She turned her head and their gazes locked. Her eyes widened, and she glanced at his lips and then back at him. With a smile, she kissed him, no hesitation, full of joy and excitement.
Ed jolted, surprised, but his arms slid around her, tasting her cool, salty lips. This was what he wanted. She was what he wanted.
Heath hollered, “Go Tess!” and she broke the kiss, cheeks red.
She tucked her hair behind her ear and cleared her throat. “I appreciate it.” She turned and playfully shoved Heath, who was still grinning at them.
Sam raised his eyebrows at Ed.
Yeah, he knew. He was supposed to be careful.
But damn it, he didn’t want to be.
Chapter 13
As they tied up at the boat mooring that afternoon, Ed’s phone rang. Dot. He shifted away from where everyone was gathered, ready to get on the inflatable boat and be transferred to the shore. “Hey, Dot.”
“Ed, are you back in town yet?”
“Just arrived at the mooring.”
“Can you and Tess swing past the station before you head to the Ridge?”
Ed’s gut clenched. “Yeah, but I’ve got Sam and the guys with me.”
“Tell them to get a drink at the pub. I’ll see you when you get here.” She hung up before he could ask what it was about.
Sam turned to him. “What happened?”
The man was always alert. “Need you to drop Tess and me at the station while you get a beer.”
He frowned, but nodded.
